Introduction
Johns Hopkins University is concerned about the safety and welfare of its faculty, staff and students. We are committed to alerting individuals to potential work-related health risks and counseling them on methods to avoid workplace hazards through a comprehensive occupational health and safety program.

Safety Responsibilities
Individuals
All faculty, staff, students and fellows are responsible for compliance with appropriate safety and health standards as issued by Johns Hopkins. Faculty, staff, students and fellows are to follow safe work practices and report all unsafe conditions.

Faculty and Supervisors
Faculty and supervisors and faculty are the keystone of the Johns Hopkins University Safety Program. Faculty and supervisors train employees, fellows and students to develop and maintain safe work practices. Faculty and supervisors must frequently inspect the workplace to ascertain unsafe conditions. Faculty and supervisors should be aware that Johns Hopkins University has policies addressing disciplinary action for failure to comply with safety policies. Principal investigators are responsible for ensuring that all individuals working under their supervision have a safe working environment and are educated of the potential hazards associated with their jobs.

Health, Safety and Environment
The Department of Health, Safety and Environment is responsible for providing guidance and direction in all phases of the Johns Hopkins Safety Program. Health, Safety and Environment conducts safety inspections, and advises management of unsafe conditions or noncompliance with policy, regulations and standards. Health, Safety and Environment reports all of its activities to the Joint Committee for Health, Safety and Environment.

Joint Committee on Health, Safety and Environment
The Joint Committee on Health, Safety and Environment was established by the President of The Johns Hopkins University and the President of The Johns Hopkins Hospital to develop and enforce policies related to health, safety and the environment, and to ensure compliance with all applicable safety and environmental regulations. The Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health, Safety and Environment is Edward J. Bernacki, MD, MPH. The Joint Committee on Health, Safety and Environment collaborates with the Animal Care and Use Committee to assure safety of individuals involved in the care and use of animals.

[Return to top]

Animal Exposure Surveillance Program
All individuals (faculty, staff, fellows and students) who have direct contact with animals, living tissues, body fluids, wastes or living quarters are required to participate in the Animal Exposure Surveillance Program (AESP). This program is managed by the Occupational Health Services,Church Home Hospital, 98 N. Broadway, Room 421 (phone 410-955-6211). The AESP allows Johns Hopkins University to monitor your level of risk in handling animals, offer you appropriate prophylactic protection from diseases associated with animal handling, assess your current health status, and monitor your health during employment or training at Johns Hopkins University.

People with impaired immune function may be at increased risk from hazards associated with animal care and use. Moreover, a large number of workplace chemicals, physical and biologic agents can damage the reproductive systems of both male and female workers, resulting in infertility, spontaneous abortion, developmental impairment or death in an embryo, fetus or child. These risks are discussed during AESP enrollment.

Identification and registration of individuals at risk

• Principal investigators and departmental administrators are responsible for forwarding the names of postdoctoral fellows and students with significant animal contact to Occupational Health Services. Human Resources will identify other staff during pre-employment screening.
• Occupational Health Services conducts pre-employment medical examination and risk assessment for all staff.
• Education
  • Pre-employment orientation
  • Use safe procedures
  • Personal hygiene e.g. hand washing, no eating, drinking or applying make up in animal use areas.
  • Engineering controls e.g. Biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, dump stations, scavenging systems.
  • Personal Protective Equipment e.g. clothing, gloves, face masks, face shields, hats or hair nets, fluid barriers.
  • Using multiple people to handle large, heavy pieces of equipment.
    
• Health Monitoring
  • Occupational Health Services (410-955-6211)
  • Supervisory Nurse (410-614-1129) for further information
  • Health, Safety and Environment (410-955-5918)
    
• Post injury or exposure treatment
  • Occupation Injury Clinic in Blalock 139 (410-955-6433)
  • Homewood Campus report to 6th floor Wyman Park Building (410-516-0450).
  • Bayview Campus report to Asthama and Allergy Center, Room 2B.34 (410-550-2322)

[Return to top]

Hazards associated with working with animals

• Physical e.g. steam, bites, scratches, kicks, sharps, noise, ergonomic hazards, wet floors, electricity, and radiation
• Biological e.g. viruses, parasites, bacteria, rickettsiae, fungi which can be transmitted between animals and humans (zoonotic agents)
• Chemical e.g. cleaning agents, anesthetics, laboratory chemicals: which may be flammable, explosive, corrosive, irritating or toxic. Always check Material Safety Data Sheets.
• Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Research Animals., (1997) Institute of Laboratory Animal Research, National Research Council and Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, (1999) Public Health Service/CDC/NIH provide extensive information and references.

Hazardous materials require approval by the Health, Safety and Environmental Health (410-955-5918) before use in animal facilities. See the Johns Hopkins Safety Manual for general information. Investigators using biohazards or radioactive materials should advise the Facility Manager and animal caretakers on the appropriate way to handle and dispose of animals, tissues, carcasses and bedding contaminated by these materials.

• Radioactive materials
  • Radiation control unit: JHMI - 410-955-3712, Homewood Campus - 410-516-7308 and Bayview - 410-550-2423
• Infectious or oncogenic agents
  • Biosafety Officer - 410-955-5918
• Carcinogenic or toxic chemicals
  • Environmental Health Officer - 410-955-5918
• Non-human primates present a risk of bacterial enteritis, amoebic dysentery or tuberculosis. Macaques may carry Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (Herpesvirus-B, Herpes B or Herpes simiae).
  • Register with the Biosafety Officer - 410-955-5918
• Sheep may harbor the "Q-fever" rickettsial organism, Coxiella burnetti
  • Register with the Biosafety Officer - 410-955-5918 and follow the Johns Hopkins University Q fever policy described in the AESP.
    

Laboratory Animal Allergies
Allergic reactions to animals are among the most common conditions that adversely affect the health of people working with animals in research. Over 40% of people routinely working with animals develop allergic symptoms. More than 70% of people with pre-existing allergic disease eventually develop allergy to laboratory animals over a period of 1-2 years, most commonly manifested as rhinitis, itchy eyes, and rashes. An estimated 10% of laboratory workers eventually develop occupationally related asthma, and related symptoms of coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, which can persist for months or years after exposure ceases.

Rats, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits and cats are probably among the most important inducers of allergies in laboratory animal workers. Allergens present in the urine, saliva, fur, dander, bedding and other unknown sources are aerosolized during handling of the animals, clipping hair, cage changing, dumping bedding and cleaning the animal rooms. Personal protective equipment such as laboratory coats, gloves, face masks, respiratory equipment, biosafety cabinets and dump stations reduce the risk of developing allergies. Individuals who are already sensitized for example due to allergies to domestic cats are in the highest risk category. Laboratory animal workers should under go screening to identify those at risk and participate in the monitoring program. If you develop symptoms of job related animal allergies contact Occupational Health Services at 410-955-6211.

Allergies are an important risk associated with animals. If you feel you may suffer from an allergy to the animals you work with, report to your supervisor and to the Occupational Health Services for your campus to obtain appropriate treatment. Allergy can usually be managed by a combination of medical management and workplace strategies. It's important to consult with Occupational Health Services to determine the cause of your allergy in order to manage it effectively.

The following practices may help reduce your exposure to animal allergens:

• When possible, perform animal manipulations in a ventilated hood or a biosafety cabinet. If this is not possible, a dust mask or surgical mask may be helpful.
• When you're not working in a hood or cabinet, make sure that the animal room or other work area is adequately ventilated and that all the air handling equipment in the room is in good order. If there is doubt, your supervisor can ask Facilities to measure the number of air changes in the room. Animal rooms should deliver at least 10 air changes per hour.
• Don't wear your street clothes when working with animals. Wear protective clothing.
• Reduce your skin contact with animals by wearing gloves and long-sleeved lab coats.
• Wash your hands frequently. Wash hands, face and neck before leaving the work area.
• Avoid touching your hands to your face while working with animals and animal equipment.
• Keep cages and your work area clean.
  

Physical Hazards

• Bites and Scratches
  All animals are capable of inflicting bites and scratches. Small animals, such as rodents and rabbits usually deliver relatively minor wounds. Larger species like cats, dogs and nonhuman primates can inflict severe wounds. Bite and scratch wounds can become infected by the normal bacterial flora of the animal's mouth or toenails, or by bacterial flora from the individual's skin. To prevent bites and scratches use the proper animal handling techniques. Protective garments, such as gloves, gauntlets and long-sleeved laboratory coats limit injury to the hands and arms. Contact Comparative Medicine (410-955-3273) for guidance on appropriate animal handling and restraining devices. In case of a bite or scratch immediately wash the wound with plenty of soap and water, contact your supervisor and proceed to the Occupational Injury Clinic (410-955-6433). If, you are bitten or scratched by a cat, dog, nonhuman primate or wild animal notify Animal Services (410-955-3713) so appropriate veterinary follow-up measures diagnostic procedures can be performed on the animal.
  
• Splashes
  In case of a splash or exposure to potentially infectious material involving your eyes, nose or mouth, flush the site with water for fifteen minutes, and proceed to the Occupational Injury Clinic for your campus.
  
• Musculoskeletal disorders
  Musculoskeletal disorders are syndromes characterized by discomfort, impairment, disability or persistent pain in joints, muscle tendons or other soft tissues with or without physical manifestations. If you experience any of these conditions while performing your job, please report to the Occupational Injury Clinic for your campus. If you would like a proactive ergonomic assessment of your work site, ask your supervisor to contact the Department of Health, Safety and Environment.
  
• Wet floors
  Wet floors are a prominent physical hazard in animal areas. Do your part in promptly reporting or eliminating wet floor surfaces. If it is necessary to walk across wet floors, use extreme caution. Proper non-slip shoes or protective boots are recommended for environments that consistently have wet floor surfaces. When possible, post wet floor signs to alert coworkers and visitors of this hazard.
  
• High Pressure Water and Steam
  High Pressure Water and Steam are physical hazards for animal handlers who utilize autoclaves, power washers and other equipment. Avoid skin contact with high-pressure water and steam. When unloading an autoclave, verify that the pressure is near zero prior to opening the door. Slowly crack open the door and allow the steam to gradually escape. Allow materials in the autoclave to cool for 10 minutes prior to removal and use heat resistant gloves as necessary.
• Electricity
  Electricity is an important physical hazard in the care and use of animals. Johns Hopkins University Policy prohibits use of extension cords, unless an emergency situation is declared by administration. Use caution with power equipment, radios and other electrical devices, particularly in areas with wet floors, and water or steam sources.
  
• Radioactive Materials
  All individuals using radioactive materials and/or animals containing radioactive materials must be registered with the appropriate Radiation Control Unit for your campus (East Baltimore Campus, 410-955-3712; Bayview Campus, 410-550-2423; Homewood Campus, 410-516-7308). The following guidelines should be adhered to:
  1. Animal handlers must wear gloves when handling a cage or animal marked as radioactive.
  2. Cages containing radioactive animals must be labeled with a "caution", "radioactive materials" label. If the exposure rates outside the cage exceed 2 millirem/hour, the cage must be shielded or moved to an area so that staff will not be exposed to a radiation level above 2 millirem/hr.
  3. It is the responsibility of the researcher to collect any material from the animal or cage (e.g., bedding, waste, etc.) that may be contaminated, and place these materials in a radioactive materials drum.
• East Baltimore Campus
  • It is the responsibility of the researcher to monitor the cage and associated equipment for radioactive contamination, and to clean all contamination before the cage and associated equipment is returned to Animal Services.
  • Any radioactive animal carcass with a completed disposal tag should be taken to the cold room in the Ross penthouse and placed in the yellow barrels.
• Bayview Campus
  • Researchers must have an approved disposal plan for radioactive animal carcasses before radioactive material use. Radioactive animal carcasses cannot be transported to the East Baltimore Campus.
• Homewood Campus
  • All experiments involving use of radioactive materials in animals must first be approved by the Radiation Safety Officer.
  • Cages must be clearly and appropriately labeled with at least identification of the radionuclide, total activity, date and investigator.
  • Only laboratory personnel trained by an authorized user are permitted to handle radioactively labeled animals.
  • Laboratory personnel and not animal caretakers are responsible for handling contaminated bedding and animal waste, surveys and decontaminating cages and equipment.
  • Facilities can not be turned over to Animal Resources for cleaning until certified free of removable contamination.
  • Radioactive animal waste and bedding must be disposed in special drums maintained by the Radiation Safety Office. In no case will radioactive waste be transferred to the regular animal facility trash. Regular animal facility caretakers are not permitted to handle radioactive materials.
  • Radioactive animal carcasses and bulk radioactive tissues require special storage and ultimate disposal by a licensed vendor. Contact the radiation safety office to make arrangements.

Biological Hazards
Common exposure routes for infectious agents are inhalation of aerosolized agents, splash of infectious materials to the skin or mucous membranes, or exposure via needle sticks, cuts and other sharps injuries.

Any exposure to potentially infectious materials should be reported via the incident reporting protocol previously outlined. Exposure to the mucous membranes should receive on-site first aid by flushing with copious amounts of running water. Exposure to the skin should receive on-site first aid by washing the affected area with soap and water. After on-site first aid, proceed to the Occupational Injury Clinic for your campus:

• East Baltimore Campus, Blalock 139
• Bayview Campus, Asthma and Allergy Center, Room 2B.34
• Homewood Campus, Employees, Wyman Park Bldg., 6th floor and Students, AMR II, Student Health Services

  Blood borne Pathogens
  Johns Hopkins University Blood borne pathogen exposure control policy requires prompt reporting of exposure to human blood borne pathogens. Call 410-955-STIX to report exposures. The Johns Hopkins STIX Hotline is a 24-hour hotline staffed by an infectious disease specialist. If your exposure is high risk for blood borne pathogen infection, post exposure prophylaxis may be recommended. These medications have been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of HIV infection if initiated within 1-2 hours of exposure.

  All faculty and staff with exposure to human blood borne pathogens will be entered in the Johns Hopkins University Blood borne Pathogen Exposure Control Program upon hire or upon initiating work with blood borne pathogen containing materials. All persons entered in this Program are offered the hepatitis B vaccination at no charge. The vaccination is obtained from the Occupational Health Services for your campus.

  The basis of Standard Precautions is to treat all human specimens and primate specimens as infectious. Also treat all human subjects and non-human primates as infectious.

  The highest risk of infection from blood borne pathogens occurs from needles and sharps. Sharps are defined as any item that can puncture human skin or a red trash bag. Needles and sharps are never to be discarded directly into the general waste stream or red trash bags. All needles and sharps must be discarded directly into approved sharps containers. Approved sharps containers must be placed in all areas where sharps may be utilized or generated. Filled sharps containers must be properly secured prior to disposal, and are disposed in red bags or biohazard boxes lined with red bags, as appropriate for your building.
  

• Hand washing
  Hand washing is the most effective way to prevent infections to you and coworkers. All animal areas should be equipped with a hand sink that is stocked with liquid soap and paper towels. Wash your hands often, using soap and water.

All infectious materials and all contaminated equipment or apparatus should be decontaminated before being washed, stored or discarded. Autoclaving is the preferred method for decontamination and disinfection. All areas and equipment involving any contact with sheep or goats or products of conception from sheep or goats shall be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis and immediately after each operation. Transport carts shall be decontaminated after use.

The containment of infectious agents is performed according to the applicable Biosafety level. Biosafety Level I generally involves agents of no known or minimal potential hazard to laboratory personnel and the environment. Biosafety Level II includes all Biosafety Level I practices plus partial containment equipment such as biological safety cabinets, protective barriers such as lab coats, gloves, and face protection, and limited access to the laboratory. Work involves agents of moderate potential hazard to personnel and the environment. Biosafety Level III is designated for research utilizing indigenous or exotic agents that may cause serious or potentially lethal disease as a result of exposure by the aerosol route.

Zoonotic Diseases
Zoonotic diseases are those diseases of animals capable of infecting humans. A number of zoonotic diseases are of potential hazard in institutions conducting animal based research. Such diseases are rare in rodents, rabbits, cats and dogs raised indoors for research purposes. There is a higher possibility of contracting a zoonotic disease from random source cats, dogs, farm animals, nonhuman primates and animals obtained from the wild (e.g. wild rats, prairie dogs, woodchucks).

Humans may also become infected with agents introduced into animals for research purposes. All such biohazardous research must be registered with Health, Safety and Environment. You mist be instructed by your employer in how to handle animals so infected. In case of injury or unexplained illness associated with such animal use, inform the medical personnel treating you of the possibility of infection with that agent.

• Toxoplasmosis
  Toxoplasmosis is caused by a protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. The potentially infective form of the parasite (oocyst) occurs in the feces of infected cats, however, indoor raised laboratory cats may not be infected with this T. gondii. It takes 2 to 5 days after the feces are passed for the oocyst to become infectious. Other animals, including man (and cats), become infected by eating material contaminated by infected cat feces, or by eating raw or improperly cooked tissue from other infected animals.

Usually this disease is quite mild and may be mistaken for a simple cold. There may be a slight fever, mild headaches, general tiredness and enlarged lymph nodes. Rarely heart, pulmonary or liver disease, blindness or damage to the nervous system may occur. Individuals with a compromised immune system may develop serious illness. Transmission of the infection from a pregnant mother to her fetus sometimes results in severe birth defects, stillbirth and miscarriage.

Toxoplasmosis is easily prevented by avoiding exposure: effective pest and vermin control programs, gloves, masks, protective clothing, hand washing and do not eat, drink or apply make-up in animal areas. Pregnant women should avoid working with cats, especially handling cat litter or changing litter boxes. There is no vaccine to protect humans from this parasite.

• Rabies
  Rabies is a relatively rare and devastating viral disease, which can result in severe neurologic problems and death. Most cases of rabies occur in wild animals although any mammal can contract the disease. Rabies is usually transmitted from infected mammals (rabid cats, dogs or wild animals) to humans through bite wounds. Rarely, infection may occur if a scratch or abrasion is contaminated with saliva from an infected animal. Injuries sustained during endotracheal tube insertion should be treated as though it were a bite. Infected animals may shed the virus in saliva before the visible signs of illness appear and that the virus can remain viable in frozen tissues for an extended period. Aerosol transmission is considered unlikely. Contact with bedding, cages or feed and water bowls does not constitute an exposure. Purpose bred dogs and cats raised indoors for research purposes by commercial suppliers are not a risk for transmitting rabies because they are never exposed to infected wild animals, and are usually vaccinated against rabies.

The clinical signs shown by animals infected with rabies are variable but may include: personality change for example a friendly animal may appear to have become shy or it may be restless, excitable, or aggressive; depraved appetite (animal eats strange objects); change in vocalization, inability to eat or drink, and excessive salivation due to by paralysis of the laryngeal muscles; and incoordination or convulsions.

Following a bite, immediately wash the wound with plenty of soap water and seek medical attention at the Occupational Injury Clinic. In addition Animal Services (410-955-3713) should be notified. The animal should be kept alive, quarantined and monitored by veterinary staff for 10 days. If the animal was shedding rabies virus at the time of the bite, it will die within 10 days. Alternatively, the animal should be euthanized and the head submitted to the Maryland State Health Department Laboratory for rabies evaluation. A Rabies Prophylactic Vaccination Program is available to anyone who works with potentially infected animals. Booster vaccinations are done every three years.

• Tuberculosis
  Tuberculosis is a chronic disease caused by bacteria in the genus Mycobacterium. The disease is usually localized in the lungs but other organs can also be affected. The main source of infection for humans in the United States is other infected humans especially in crowded conditions and in hospital settings. This disease is highly infectious in a nonhuman primate colony often with a fatal outcome. The most common source of infection for monkeys is from infected humans or other monkeys.

For protection of the animals and individuals who work with them, monkeys are routinely tuberculin tested. At six-month intervals all individuals who work with nonhuman primates are notified of the time and place for tuberculin testing. Wearing personal protective equipment like facemask, gloves and laboratory coats when handling or working with monkeys reduces the risk of exposure.

• Diarrheas associated with nonhuman primates
  Nonhuman primates are potential sources of diarrhea-causing organisms for humans. Animals may carry the organisms without showing signs of disease. The most common diarrhea-producing organisms seen in the nonhuman primates that are in this institution are Entamoeba histolytica (the cause of amoebic dysentery), Shigella (the cause of bacillary dysentery) and Campylobacter. Disease caused by these organisms may be severe (diarrhea containing blood, mucus and pus) or less severe with varying degrees of fever, abdominal cramps and loose stools. If you develop diarrhea, inform the physician treating you that you work with nonhuman primates.

Minimize chances of such infections by using personal protective devices such as gloves, face masks and laboratory coats whenever you are in contact with nonhuman primates. Thoroughly wash your hands after working with primates and do not eat, drink, or apply make-up when working with nonhuman primates.

• Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (Herpes B) in Macaque monkeys
  All macaque monkeys (e.g. rhesus [Macaca mulatta], cynomolgus [M. fasicularis], pigtail [M. nemestrina]) are potential carriers of Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (Herpesvirus-B, Herpes B, Herpes simiae, B virus) and should treated as though they are infected with this virus. This virus is not found in non-macaque species of monkeys such as the African green, squirrel, or baboon. In macaques, Herpes B sometimes causes cold sore like lesions but for the most part there are no obvious problems in the monkey. Though very rare human infection is usually fatal or produces severe and lasting neurological disease.

Humans become infected following a bite or scratch, splashes or contact with tissues, body fluids or excretions, and by injury from a cage or similar item contaminated with material from an infected monkey. To prevent potential exposure use personal protective devices like facemasks, face shields, gloves and long sleeved laboratory coats. Unless absolutely necessary, never handle an awake macaque. Use a squeeze cage and a restraint drug such as ketamine to sedate the primate before handling. Be extremely cautious when working near the head or close enough for a monkey to grab you. Treat all monkeys as though they are infected with the Herpes B virus.

If you receive a bite or scratch wound from a monkey or an injury from a piece of equipment with which the animal or animal tissues has had contact, STOP WORK, return the monkey to its cage, institute first aid immediately. Each primate housing area and laboratory has been equipped with a "Monkey Injury Kit". Follow the instructions that are inside the kit. You should familiarize yourself with them in advance. Following initial first aid, go to the Occupational Injury Clinic. Notify Animal Services of the identification number of the monkey and its location so that a veterinarian can examine the animal and take appropriate steps to ascertain the potential hazard.

• Experimentally induced infections
  Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) is related to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This virus does not occur naturally in the primates currently in use at Johns Hopkins University. Any occurrence of this virus in a primate at this institution is a result of a deliberate introduction of the virus into the primate by an investigator. Such primates are clearly identified.

Individuals working with this virus or monkeys deliberately infected with the virus must follow guidelines that have been by the Centers for Disease Control and the University. The guidelines include working under BSL2 and in some cases BSL3 conditions. In event of suspected exposure follow procedures described for Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (Herpes B). A prophylaxis protocol will be instituted through Occupational Injury Clinic following exposure (call 5-STIX) and anti-retroviral therapy will be offered. It should be noted that infection of humans with SIV after exposure to infectious tissues or fluids is extremely unlikely.

Other infectious agents that could be used include measles, vaccinia virus and Shigella.

• Q-fever
  Q fever is caused by the rickettsia, Coxiella burnetti. Domestic ungulates such as sheep, cattle and goats are reservoirs of infection for humans and shed the organism in placenta, amniotic fluid, urine, feces and milk. Infection is acquired by working with these animals or their products or from laboratories working with C. burnetti. The illness is generally mild in people, however, hepatitis is a common sequel and endocarditis is an uncommon but frequently fatal complication. The disease should be diagnosed and treated promptly to minimize risk of complications. Currently there are no approved vaccines.

Chemical Hazards
The Johns Hopkins University Hazard Communication Program gives employees a means to find information about the hazards associated with any material in their workplace. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are fact sheets that summarize information about the hazards, handling procedures, emergency first aid and required protective equipment regarding each substance. Health, Safety and Environment has MSDS sheets for all substances used at Johns Hopkins. Should you have a concern or question about any substance in your workplace, discuss the situation with your supervisor. If the supervisor is unable to answer your questions, contact Health, Safety and Environment.

• Labeling
  Labeling is an important aspect of the Hazard Communication Program. All containers must have a label of the common name in English to identify the contents.
  
• Cleaning agents
  Cleaning agents are a common form of chemical utilized by animal handlers. All cleaning agents must be stored in labeled and tightly capped containers at all times. Consult the product label or the MSDS for appropriate protective equipment when handling cleaning agents. Always wear a face shield and gloves when handling and dispensing concentrated cleaners.
  
• Corrosives and Flammables
  Corrosive materials are the most common form of toxic substances found in a typical laboratory and are frequently used in animal facilities. These include strong acids, strong bases and oxidizing agents. When handling corrosive substances ensure that skin, face and eyes are protected by clothing, laboratory coats, aprons, eyewear and/or face shields.

Flammable materials are clearly labeled as such on the product label. All flammable materials not in immediate use should be stored in an approved flammable materials storage cabinet. Existing approved cabinets have doors which positively latch. Newly acquired flammable material storage cabinets must have doors which self-close and self-latch.

• Anesthetic agents
  Anesthetic agents have long been associated with health hazards. Chronic exposure to these agents have possible effects on the liver, kidney, nervous system and reproductive system. Engineering controls, such as systems that scavenge waste gases from the source, are the best methods to control these hazards. The use of ether is highly regulated at Johns Hopkins University and requires pre-approval by Health, Safety and Environment.
  
• Excess chemicals
  Excess chemicals should be disposed through the Johns Hopkins Hazardous Material Disposal Program. Call Health, Safety and Environment for the nearest chemical collection area. Never place chemicals in the standard waste stream or in the biohazardous waste stream. Excess chemicals should not be labeled as "waste". The Department of Health, Safety and Environment makes the determination of what is hazardous waste.

  In the event of a spill of a hazardous material which is chemical in nature:

1. Evaluate the spill. Are the materials corrosive, flammable, toxic or explosive
   A. Identify all materials by common name.
   B. Estimate how much is spilled.
   C. Evaluate the degree of danger to patients, staff or visitors.
   D. Evaluate the degree of danger to equipment or property.
2. Contain the spill.
3. If the spill cannot be contained, evacuate the area. Also evacuate the area if the spill is likely to produce irritating odors, or flammable or explosive vapors.
4. Spills of innocuous material or small amounts of acids, bases and flammable material can be cleaned up by lab personnel or properly equipped staff in the area.
5. All spills of toxic or explosive materials and large spills of corrosive or flammable material will be cleaned by Health, Safety and Environment. Immediately call the emergency number for your campus.
   • East Baltimore Campus 410-955-4444
   • Bayview Campus 410-550-2424
   • Homewood and other buildings 911

   If your skin or eyes are exposed to a chemical, flush the affected area with large amounts of running water. After on-site first aid, proceed to the Occupational Injury Clinic for your campus.

[Return to top]

Research Registration Programs
In order to control and monitor biological hazards in the work environment, Johns Hopkins University has established research registration programs in accordance with federal regulations and guidelines. All research involving biological agents or materials, sheep, goats, non-human primates, recombinant DNA, or animals must be properly registered with designees of Johns Hopkins University Administration.

It is the responsibility of the principal investigator to assure that individuals working with the registered agents and materials are appropriately trained and that the protocols are conducted in compliance with Johns Hopkins University policies.

Registration of Research with HBV, HIV or SIV
Experimental animal studies involving the use of human HBV or HIV, suspected HIV, AIDS associated retroviruses or SIV are not to be initiated without prior approval from the Animal Care and Use Committee and the Department of Health, Safety and Environment.

Registration of Research with Pathogenic and/or Oncogenic Material
It is the responsibility of each principal investigator to register with Health, Safety and Environment all biohazardous agents and materials presently in use for investigative research and for all agents maintained in stock culture collections for research and/or teaching purposes.

Registration of Research with Recombinant DNA
All principal investigators conducting recombinant DNA research are required to register such protocols with the Department of Health, Safety and Environment and the Institutional Biosafety Committee. Research involving recombinant DNA requires strict adherence to the most current NIH guidelines.

[Return to top]

Incident and Injury Reporting
It is the policy of Johns Hopkins University that all incidents which result in an injury to faculty, staff or students be appropriately documented and reported. In the event of a work-related incident:

1. Promptly report to your supervisor.
2. Fill out a Report of Incident form.
3. Proceed to the Occupational Injury Clinic for your campus:
• East Baltimore Campus, Blalock 139, 410-955-6433
• Bayview Campus, Asthma and Allergy Center Room 2B.34, 410-550-2322
• Homewood Campus, Employees, 6th Floor Wyman Park Building, 410-516-0450 and Students, Student Health Services AMR II, 6-8270
  

[Return to top]

Medical Emergency
If the accident or injury is life threatening, or if the injured individual believes his or her injury is of an emergent nature, call the emergency number for your campus:

• East Baltimore Campus 410-955-4444
• Bayview Campus 410-550-2424
• Homewood Campus 911
• Other Johns Hopkins Buildings 911
  

[Return to top]

Emergencies
All faculty, staff and students should be aware of the emergency protocols for their campus. In the event of fire or other emergency:

1. Remove anyone from immediate danger.
2. Close the door to confine smoke, fire or hazardous conditions.
3. Pull the nearest fire alarm box.
4. Call the emergency number for your building.
   • East Baltimore Campus 410-955-4444
   • Bayview Campus 410-550-2424
   • Homewood Campus 911
   • Other Johns Hopkins buildings 911

Part of the emergency response protocols for Johns Hopkins includes hazard-warning signage. This yellow placard is required to be posted at the entrances to all laboratories and research areas to indicate the hazards contained therein. These yellow warning placards must contain the names and emergency telephone numbers of two individuals who are familiar with the hazards contained within the area. (Emergency responders may refuse to enter a placarded area prior to discussing the hazards contained therein with the emergency contact individuals.) It is the responsibility of the principal investigator or the area supervisor to include the emergency contact information on the yellow placards. If your area does not have the proper warning signage at its entrances, contact Health, Safety and Environment.

If you have any questions regarding this information contact:
Dept. of Health, Safety and Environment
Telephone: 410-955-5918
Address: 2024 East Monument Street, Baltimore, MD 21205

University of California, Davis has an excellent site, check it out.

[Return to top]

Copyright 2001 | All Rights Reserved | The Johns Hopkins University and Health System
720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21205 USA